Offense?Defense Theory
An Empirical Test
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12693261 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Charity Butcher (0000-0003-0905-9538, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2006 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 489-491 |
| Publication date | 2006-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Studies Review (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1468-2486 • E-ISSN: 1521-9488 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1468-2486.2006.00608.x |
| OpenAlex | W2021039212 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 11 |
In the field of strategic studies, offense–defense theory contends that a state's relative ease of attack and defense provides a powerful predictor of war initiation and international conflict. Specifically, when offensive military operations are advantaged, international conflict and war become more likely. In contrast, defensive advantages decrease the likelihood of war (see Jervis 1978; Glaser and Kaufmann 1998; Van Evera 1998, 1999). Proponents of offense–defense theory have touted its ability to predict war and international conflict, but they have met much criticism along the way. Scholars have attacked the theoretical basis of the theory, as well as its inability to operationalize the offense–defense balance for empirical testing (see, for example, Levy 1984; Betts 1999). Indeed, even though many scholars have written on the theoretical and methodological aspects of offense–defense theory, few have attempted to test the theory empirically (see Adams 2003–2004; Gortzak, Haftel
Criminology · Criticism · Economics · Empirical research · Epistemology · International conflict · International relations · International relations theory · Management · Offensive · Operationalization · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Sociology · Test (biology · Defense, Military, and Policy Studies · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Law · Philosophy · Political Conflict and Governance · Psychology
Causes of War
Must War Find a Way
What Is the Offense-Defense Balance and How Can We Measure It
Attack and Conquer? International Anarchy and the Offense-Defense-Deterrence Balance
What is the Offense-Defense Balance and Can We Measure it
Offense, Defense, and the Causes of War
Cooperation under the Security Dilemma
Offense-Defense Theory
The Offensive/Defensive Balance of Military Technology
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |